Before adding a touch of nature to your home with houseplants, it's important to know what types of plants may be harmful to your cat and which are safe.

Before adding a touch of nature to your home with houseplants, it's important to know what types of plants may be harmful to your cat and which are safe. In fact, some plants are extremely poisonous to cats, and others can cause them to become very ill.

Your cat is playful, curious and a hunter, and he wants to interact with you to show off his natural skills. Playing games with your cat is a great way to entertain him, as well as give him some extra exercise.

Your cat is playful, curious and a hunter, and he wants to interact with you to show off his natural skills. Playing games with your cat is a great way to entertain him, as well as give him some extra exercise.

It's important if you'll be traveling with your cat to ensure that he's healthy, safe and happy when coming along on any trips. Here are four steps to a stress-free trip.

It's important if you'll be traveling with your cat to ensure that he's healthy, safe and happy when coming along on any trips. Here are four steps to a stress-free trip.

ByJ. Allen Meadows, M.D. for Sniffle Solutions

Although the tendency to have allergies is inherited, specific allergic sensitivities are not. After a child inherits the tendency to have allergies from her parent, she also has to be exposed to develop sensitivity. For instance, if I'm allergic to cats, I might pass the tendency to have allergies to my two kids: One might develop an allergy to grass and trees, the other to our dog. Even if two kids from the same family are exposed to the same allergens, they might not develop the same sensitivities.

There's very little difference between how pet and seasonal allergies develop in a person's immune system, but pets are more likely to cause problems because they're present year-round. Additionally, people who live with pets are exposed to very high levels of pet dander compared with relatively lower quantities of pollen.

If your child does develop a pet allergy, avoidance is the best treatment. Allergy shots are also an effective long-term treatment, but they're a big investment of time and money. Prescription nose sprays can offer excellent relief if used regularly. Discuss any issues with an allergist, who can tell you which option might be best for you or your child.

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J. Allen Meadows, M.D., is a clinical instructor of family practice at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and a private practitioner at the Alabama Allergy & Asthma Clinic in Montgomery. He is also chair ofthe American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's Public Education Committee.